The body of a Maidstone soldier who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan was returned to England today.

Captain Ben Babington-Browne, 27, died on Monday, July 6, in a helicopter accident which also killed two Canadian troops.

His coffin is one of five flown to RAF Lyneham, in Wiltshire, on Friday.

Hundreds of mourners were expected to line the streets of the nearby town of Wootton Bassett as the hearses passed through the town, in a mark of respect that has become tradition since 2007.

Ben grew up in Maidstone and was a former vice-captain of Maidstone Grammar School.

He died while serving with the 22 Royal Engineers. It has been one of the worst weeks for British casualties since troops were sent to Afghanistan in 2001. Nine soldiers have died this week.

His mother, Nina Babington-Browne, from Allington, said she had lost "the brightest star".

Ben joined Maidstone Grammar School in 1993 and did his GCSE and A Levels at the school.

A statement from the school said teachers remember him as "a member of that breed of men who seem to be good at everything they do, never get flustered under stressful conditions and behave always with sensitivity and good grace".

He was involved in running fund-raising discos at the school and was joint director of the school pantomime as well as vice chairman of its debating society.

Neil Turrell, headmaster of Maidstone Grammar School, said: "This is a grievous blow to us, and one that I feel deeply and personally. I taught Ben and thought him an outstanding person with enormous potential. So good, in fact, that I selected him to be school Vice-Captain in a year of very strong candidates".

He went on, "That he should die in the service of his country in the prime of his life is an enormous loss. We know that his mother Nina is devastated by the news and we send her our deepest condolences at this dreadful time".

He joined the 22 Royal Engineer Regiment in April 2007 after graduating from the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst and completing the Royal Engineers Troop Commanders' Couse. He had previously served in Iraq.

He was described as a "rising star" and "outstanding officer".

He leaves behind his mother Nina, from Allington, as well as his brother Daniel.

Mrs Babington-Browne said in a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence: "Ben is a much loved son, brother and nephew who had a huge personality and will be so missed by his family and friends who are all heartbroken by his untimely death.

"One of the brightest stars in the firmament has been lost in the line of a duty which was second only to his love for his family and friends. We are all immensely proud of all his considerable achievements in his short life. God bless and keep him."

His commanding officer, Lt Col Andrew Noble, said: "Captain Ben Babington-Browne Royal Engineers was an outstanding officer who had an extremely bright future in the British Army.

"Everyone in 22 Engineer Regiment is shocked and saddened beyond measure by his tragic death in Afghanistan. It is hard to accept that such a shining light has gone from this world.

"I have rarely met a man who was so widely liked and respected in a regiment. On meeting him when I joined 22 Engineer Regiment, Ben immediately impressed me as a man of genuine purpose and penetrating intellect. His humility and selflessness were palpable; he carried his rank lightly and the British Army officers' creed of 'Serve to Lead' could have been written for him.

"He combined these qualities with a warmth, zest for life and sense of fun which could not help but lighten any mood. Above all else, his commitment to his soldiers was total and they knew it. He loved the outdoors and was never happier than when Nordic or Alpine skiing. Such an abundance of good qualities is rare in one person, I can only say that he truly was that man; gifted, compassionate and great fun to serve alongside.

"It is typical of him that he would volunteer for service in Afghanistan after he had finished his time as a Troop Commander in 22 Engineer Regiment. He had an enquiring mind and a nature which sought out personal challenge and the path less travelled.

"I had no doubt at all that he would distinguish himself wherever he served. He was a credit to his family and the many friends who surrounded him. In the midst of our loss we can only imagine the depth of his loved ones' grief, they will forever remain in our thoughts and prayers."

Read the Ministry of Defence's full tribute here.